Playa Venao
Pedasí, Los Santos, Panama
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: March–November
Playa Venao is a wide, horseshoe-shaped bay on the southern coast of the Azuero Peninsula in the province of Los Santos, about 30 minutes south of Pedasí. The beach faces south and picks up swell on most days of the year.
South and south-west swells arrive mostly from March to November and break over sand along the bay. The middle and eastern parts of the bay are gentler and are used for lessons, while the western end and the main peaks get more powerful on bigger swells. In the dry season, roughly December to April, northerly winds blow offshore, sometimes strongly; in the rainy season winds are lighter and more variable. The beach suits beginners on small days and intermediate and advanced surfers when the swell is bigger. Rip currents form along the bay, especially on bigger days, and there is little lifeguard cover. The line-up gets busy at weekends and holidays. The water is warm all year; boardshorts are enough, and turtles nest on beaches of this coast, so check local rules.
Spots near Playa Venao
- Santa Catalina (119 km)
- Punta Chame (146 km)
More: All spots in Panama · Surfing in Panama